CASTLE ROCK, Colo. -- A group of Castle View High School football players has taken on a summer project off the field.

They are helping Douglas County sheriff’s deputy Dan Brite with the landscaping at his new home.

Brite was shot and critically injured in the line of duty in September 2016. He recently moved into a new home, specially designed to accommodate his wheelchair.

The only thing missing was the landscaping. That’s where the players stepped in.

“It's huge because I was considering how I was going to do with my wife and 11-year-old daughter," Brite said. "It wouldn't have looked as nice as what these guys were doing. I’m grateful to have people willing to help. It's awesome.”

“He has supported us in the past," Castle View senior Andrew Grout said. "I have family members in law enforcement as well so I just decided this was a good way to give back to the law enforcement community as well as our community of Castle Rock.

"We don't get the chance to give back all that often especially a guy that has helped us in the past, good to give back.”

They worked on their off days in sweltering heat.

“They moved tons of rock, some mulch, tons of grading," Brite said. "It was amazing they were out working, it was 95 degrees out, not a cloud in the sky and they didn't complain once.

“It's the epitome of what a community should be. It's people helping their neighbors, that's really what it's all about. What a great thing to teach these kids.”

The players say they had a lot of fun.

“It’s great to get out in the community to help someone out. I think landscaping is pretty fun, so I mean we did a lot of that," Landon Williams said. "As a team it was a really good experience.”

Added Cauy Vaughn: “I used this big forklift thing had no experience using it, but had fun doing it.”

The team is not done yet. They are collecting more donations to plant some trees and shrubs when the weather cools off.

They are specifically looking for mulch, top soil, lilac bushes, ornamental grasses, bushes, shrubs and money.

Donations can be made through the Castle View Gridiron Club by email or through its website.